SpaceX successfully launched Israel’s Dror 1 communications satellite early Sunday aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.

Built by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Dror 1 is the country’s most advanced communications satellite and will operate in geostationary orbit for up to 15 years.

The mission, initially kept secret, was later confirmed by IAI.

The Falcon 9 booster completed its 13th flight and landed on a droneship, Spaceflight Now has reported.

Dror 1 is part of Israel’s national strategy to ensure independent communications capabilities and features modular, digital technology for flexible operations.

Written by B.C. Begley